Obituaries Archive

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside committal ceremony, with full military honors is scheduled for Tuesday June 4, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery located at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, Michigan. Those wishing to attend the committal ceremony are encouraged to arrive at the cortege area of the cemetery no later than 11:15 a.m. followed by a luncheon at 1:00 o’clock at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 936 Lake Street in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Kairos Dwelling Home or the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.

Age 83, made his final journey home to God on Sunday May 26, 2019 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born on New Years Day, 1936 in Kalamazoo, the son of Iverson and Hazel (Stanz) Stickler. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Ron volunteered to serve our country and was honorably discharged from the United States Army after 3 years of dedicated service. Upon returning home, he married, had four beautiful children, and began his career in Tablet Coating at The UpJohn Company. He retired in 1992 as Lead Operator. Ron was very active in his children’s lives and spent many years as coach of their rocket football teams and made ice rinks in their back yard. He also rented basketball courts for the kids to play ball and hand dug the family swimming pool in their back yard. Ron was his kids’ biggest fan and attended every game. Ron’s family loved Mackinac Island and spent many summers traveling north. On July 7, 1984 he married the love of his life, Morgi M. (Conner) Corryn and they most recently celebrated 34 years of marriage. They loved to travel in their R.V. Their many travels resulted in traveling to nearly all 50 states, with few exceptions, as well as half of the Canadian Provinces. They spent 12 years wintering in Rio Grand Valley in Texas and did the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge walk for twenty years. Ron was very proud of the 2610 nights in their RV and their travels of over 146,200 miles across the country, mostly with the Jayco Club. Ron had a passion for wood carving in his free time (with his cat, Molly by his side) and enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virginia Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Morgi, his children Ron (Carlene) Stickler, Randy Stickler, Robin (Bob) McCarthy, Renee’ (Aaron) Tardy; and step children, Kelly Corryn, Christine (Darryl) Rauhoff and Jennifer (Ron) Eby, his 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Robbie, Amy, Nathan, Caleb, Natalie, Andrew, Justin, Stephanie and Emily, whom he loved very much, as well his brothers in law Carl Lord and Mike (Sherry) Conner, several nieces and nephews, including Louise (John) Chosy, whom he spent many good times with while in Texas.